PRB: MSDN Library Unable to Display Help from Within Visual Studio Programs (250334)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN)
  • Microsoft Visual Studio, Enterprise Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Studio 6.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Learning Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Professional Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Enterprise Edition for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual Studio, Professional Edition 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual J++ 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual SourceSafe for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual InterDev 6.0
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows 6.0
This article was previously published under Q250334

SYMPTOMS

When you try to access MSDN Library Help from within Visual Studio programs using F1 or the Help menu, the following error message appears:
unable to display help

CAUSE

Vshelp.dll is not registered or is not correctly registered with the operating system.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, run Regsvr32 to register Vshelp.dll:
  1. Search for Vshelp.dll.
  2. Select Start and then click Run. Type Regsvr32.
  3. Click and hold on the file Vshelp.dll found in the search and drag it into the Run box immediately following Regsvr32. Click OK.
  4. The system should return a "registered successfully" message. Click OK.
  5. Close both windows.
  6. Open a Visual Studio program and test Help.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

This condition may occur after uninstalling the MSDN Library and reinstalling it to a new location.

Steps to Reproduce the Behavior

Unregister Vshelp.dll using "regsvr32 /U VSHELP.DLL".

REFERENCES

216109 HOWTO: Troubleshoot MSDN Library Run-Time/Install/Uninstall

251147 PRB: "Unable to Display Help" or "No Help Available" Error Messages for ADO from Within Visual Basic

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/15/2005
Keywords:kbprb KB250334
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.